About Us
Your Next Step to becoming a PA
Next Step PA (NSPA) is a free, year-round community in Central Texas for people preparing to apply to physician associate school. Through guided events, workshops, and resources, we empower aspiring physician associates to confidently navigate their pre-PA journey.
Accessible resources for accessible care.
Our Story
NSPA was founded in 2025 in response to the widespread lack of support many aspiring Physician Associates experience once they are no longer enrolled in school. It's a problem that shows up at every stage of the path: gap years, off-cycle graduation, career changes, and the years of prerequisites and preparation before an application is ever submitted. While numerous resources and support systems are available for current college students, options beyond paid programs or those with high barriers are limited once someone falls outside that structure.
Recognizing this, our founder created Next Step PA with a clear mission in mind: to empower aspiring Physician Associates with the tools, resources, and connections they need to confidently and successfully take the next step toward PA school. NSPA exists to break down barriers and provide free, accessible, year-round support to a group that is too often overlooked.
We believe that the path to becoming a PA shouldn't be defined by confusion or isolation. At NSPA, community and mentorship are central to everything we do, not only to inform but to uplift and empower. Our founder's vision is to build a lasting support system where every future PA feels seen, equipped, and inspired to move forward with purpose. That vision rests on a simple belief: making pre-PA resources accessible is how we help make healthcare more accessible.